FishMagnet

How much can you run off of a single outlet? Typically?
Should I run some new wire up and install some outlets just for my tanks?
It seems the majority of my basement was wired off the same breaker.
So, I'm running 4 tanks...lights(couple flourescents, compacts and a halide), heaters, air pumps, filters, etc. Then down the line(on the next wall), big screen tv, receiver, etc, down the line again(next wall) computers, and so on and so on....

What do you think?

ray_sj

Hard to say what the typical number might be. It depends on how many other things you have plugged into that particular circuit. You need to tally up the power consumption of everything you have plugged in. Maximum load on a typical 15 amp circuit is 15 x 120V, or about 1800 watts. In practice you probably shouldn't go more than 80%, 1400 watts or so.

Personally, I'd run a separate circuit if possible, and have some GFCI outlets for your tanks. It's much safer when dealing with electricity near water.

Time

I plug everything for my freshwater in a extension connected to a GFCI and my computer is connected there too. I think you can still do much but I know If I plug one more thing in everything turns off. I already tried. I have 6 things connected. MY dad is an electrician he may know.

15 amp input I don't know what that means but my dad said you could charge 18 cell phones on it. I think that is good but don't try 19 because there is a good chance it wont work. I hope that helped.

I merged your posts! Thanks!
Ken

aquarist48

I just had my fish room put on it's on 20 amp breaker. I'm not an electrician by any means. I had to make sure I had enough power and not worry about an over load. I suggest talking with someone that has electrical experience to be on the safe side. That person needs to see your breaker box and determine exactly how many amps you have.
Ken

FishMagnet

I'm well over 1800 watts but don't have an open slot in the panel to run a new line. There are lightly used...breakers like the one for the bathroom GFIs but I'm not sure how I would run off of it.

Bah! I can't call an electrician. They cost too much.

Time

I am not asking that. All my room has GFCI for some reason. I guess my dad knew I would have fish tanks but the master bedrooom has that too, maybe he wants fish tanks!

DSwofford

they make slim line breakers which is two breakers that take up the same space as a single breaker, I had to use these before I upgraded my service to 200 amp. You can get them at Lowes, Home Depot, Menards or any electrical supply house. here is a link that shows them in use and gives some info on them. http://books.google.com/books?id=TAK...age&q=&f=false

FishMagnet

Hey thanks DSwofford!

DSwofford

No problem, glad I could help.

hop2jr

Remember when u upgrade the breaker make sure the outlet can handle the load/electric. If u go from a 15 amp to a 20amp on a breaker some outlets are rate only for 15amps max load u would have to get GFI 20amp outlets. Wouldn't want you to start a fish fry.

DSwofford

Hop2jr, it would really depend on what size wiring he has, if he has or is going to run 14/2 w/ ground then he would have to have a 15 amp breaker with 15 amp outlets, but if he has or is going to run 12/2 w/ ground a 20 amp breaker with 15 amp outlets is fine. Really the only time you would need a 20 amp outlet is if you're running a dedicated circuit for an appliance such as a window unit that will pull more than 15 amps.

In most areas, code allows use of a 20 amp breaker 12/2 w/ ground wiring and 15 amp outlets. I do know there are a few areas that if you have 15 amp outlets you must use a 15 amp breaker with 14/2 w/ ground. I would check with your local codes dept to see what the code is in your area.